* KEY TO THE SEASON: Only Montreal (184) and Tampa Bay (179) scored fewer goals than the Kings (189). The Kings also were an anemic 13.1% on the power play. The trade for Palffy and Smolinski addressed those glaring problems. And if the "stopping line" does what it's created to do--stop the opposition's top line--the defense will get a real boost. The Kings also will need to improve on the miserable 8-16 record they had against Pacific Division teams.

* OUTLOOK: The Kings could finish last in the Pacific (a possibility because of the improvement in San Jose) and still make the playoffs. A quick start (difficult in a season in which the first seven games are on the road) and quick acclimation to the Staples Center as home ice could bring the Kings back to at least .500, probably enough to make the playoffs.